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I was diagnosed in April of this year. Presently taking Revlimid daily and velcade and Dara once a week. On a 21day schedule. They are talking about being a good candidate for SCT in October. What I’ve been reading lately has me a little confused. I’m feeling OK but not great. Back is always sore and stiff. Breathing has been hard especially after a small walk. My blood counts are improving every week. Just want to make sure that I’m doing the right thing. I’m 65 and still want to work a little and play some golf.
ReplyI was diagnosed October 2020, 4 sessions of RVD, then SCT March 2021. Full response June 2021. I’m on no maintenance, my specialist said ‘why put more poison in your body if it not necessary, we’ll keep a close eye on your numbers and re-evaluate if things change’
I was happy with his decision. I am a little concerned though because my chemo brain seems to be getting worse and I get very tired and fatigued, I also have lots of pains throughout my body and not just in my joints
Hi Sylvia-
I replied to you via email.
Hang in there,
David Emerson
ReplyAt my age, I may not be eligible for SCT anyway, and there is also the insurance issue. However, it is the one treatment I do not want unless it’s a last resort. All the new findings coming out and how soon there may be a treatment that does not use Chemo at all. I hope SCT are all but eliminated. I’m sorry you had to experience the effects and did research to find out the ….double down poison ( my words ), it can be. I keep harping on my case; I will not be privy to any new advances because of insurance.
ReplyMy guess is that you won’t need to have an ASCT Katheryn. Hang in there. David
ReplyDear David, I was diagnosed with Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia in August, 2019.
Prescribed therapy – 4 cycles x 21 days VELCADE, REVLIMID, DEXAMETHASONE.
After the 1.cycle the FLC count decreased from 3600 to 36 & after the second down to 10 (within the normal range). Same happened to FLC ratio. Same happened to ASAT & ALAT liver counts (also from elevated down to normal). Protein values are in the normal range too.
The end of the 4.cycle is 2 weeks away & a sample of the bone marrow will be taken & analysis done.
Here in Switzerland the oncologists recommend to undergo immediately an AUTOLOGOUS STEM CELL TRANSPLANT no matter the result of the bone marrow analysis.
I am asking myself the question – is it appropriate to have immediately an ASCT even if I have Complete Remission (CR) or Stringent Complete Remission (sCR) acc. to Plasma Cell Leukemia Response Criteria after the bone marrow analysis is out?
Your opinion will help a lot.
Thank you for answering!
Hi Georgi-
I would like to ask you some questions to better understand your situation. I will contact you directly from my email.
thanks and hang in there,
David Emerson
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